The Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine continues to help organizations join or participate in the Horizon Europe Programme. This time, experts explain how the Lump Sum funding model works — a simplified approach that the European Commission promotes to reduce paperwork and make project management easier.
What Is Lump Sum Funding
The Lump Sum model means that beneficiaries receive a fixed payment for completed project tasks. The payment depends on the achievement of planned results, not on actual costs. Therefore, participants no longer need to provide detailed financial reports. They only need to prove that they achieved their deliverables and met the project goals. As a result, reporting becomes simpler, and teams can focus on real research outcomes.
Main Benefits for Participants
- simpler reporting — no receipts or invoices are required;
- greater transparency and predictable funding;
- fewer financial errors and faster audits;
- more time to focus on research results instead of paperwork.
How the Budget Works
During proposal preparation, project partners agree on the total project cost. The European Commission then approves this amount as a fixed budget. Each partner receives a share assigned to specific Work Packages (WPs). Once a work package is completed and the outputs are verified, the full payment for that package follows immediately. Thus, the process is simpler and faster than traditional cost-based funding.
Important Tips for Applicants
- Lump Sum funding applies only to specific Horizon Europe calls listed on the Funding & Tenders Portal;
- partners must agree on the budget before submission — it cannot be changed later;
- each work package must include clear completion criteria such as deliverables and milestones;
- evaluators review the quality of results, not financial documentation.
The European Commission’s Plans
The European Commission has expanded the use of Lump Sum funding since 2023. By 2027, it plans to finance about 50% of the Horizon Europe budget through this model. This approach reduces administrative mistakes, speeds up project closure, and encourages more organizations to participate.
Practical Guidance and Resources
The Commission’s official Lump Sum Guide explains how to prepare proposals, plan budgets, and structure work packages. In addition, the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine provides consultations, webinars, and training to help Ukrainian applicants participate effectively.
Learn More
You can find the full article and useful links on the official website of the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine.
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